NBC apologizes; The shape of things to come

NBC Expresses Regret for Air-Crash SkitMonday, August 28, 2006 7:12 PM EDT The Associated PressBy LYNN ELBER
LOS ANGELES (AP) — NBC expressed regret Monday for an Emmy Awards comedy skit that included a mock plane crash and aired on the network the evening of a fatal Kentucky jetliner accident.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to the many families who lost loved ones in the plane crash in Kentucky on Sunday, and to the entire community that has suffered this terrible loss," NBC said in a statement the day after the ceremony.
"In no way would we ever want to make light of this terrible tragedy," NBC said. "The filmed opening during the Emmy telecast was meant to spoof some of television's most well-known scenes. The timing was unfortunate, and we regret any unintentional pain it may have caused."

NBC felt it was better to apologize, but I don't. I'd bet even money this is the open door that leads to lawsuits against the networks for pain, suffering, emotional distress and desseminating offensive or distressing material. Think not? Where've you been the last 20 years? Watch this space for further developments.